This gorgeous Ondioline was probably made in 1950. It was last bought in Paris in 2006. At that time it was not working, so it was given a complete overhaul (3800 Euros) by one of Europe's Ondioline specialists, Jean-Loup Dierstein. The rosewood cabinet was also French-polished and still looks beautiful. After the overhaul, synth pioneer (and the original 1950s Ondioline salesman) Jean-Jacques Perrey checked it out and said it was 'comme nouveau!' ('like new' - see photo). EXTRAS: A sturdy custom flight case was made (included in this auction) which insured its safe shipping to the current owner's non-smoking pet-free studio in Tokyo. A clear perspex back was also made for it (the original art deco wooden back will also be included). A 1/4' line out has been added, as well as a standard 3-pin mains socket.
And for completists, copies of several letters from George Jenny, and the original owner's manual (all in French) are included, as well as a brand new English version of the manual.
WORKING CONDITION: Time takes its toll and as they all do, this 75-year old Ondioline does need some maintenance. The keyboard is fine - touch vibrato, preset vibrato and knee volume all good. A few of the filters have no effect. Sometimes the instrument is almost silent, and a restart may fix that. In its current state, it can be described as an 'intermittent' instrument.
Probably largely due to some loose or rusty connections - fixing these should not be difficult. When it works, the tone is as rich and vibrant as ever, and in tune over the entire 6-octave range. A rare opportunity to own one of the few hundred Ondiolines ever produced!
POWER: switchable 110/120/145/220/245V. SIZE: width 42/58 cm height 70 cm, depth 24 cm. WEIGHT: 21 kg (without flight case). Shipping estimate to UK/Europe: about £100 by sea, £300 by air - slightly more to US.
